"Remembering who I’m running for and why has got me through injuries so far and will help me keep going on the day. I’m sure they would be proud of me."

24 Apr 2025

Frankie’s First Marathon Inspired By Grandad, Doug

Frankie Hastings has chosen to run the London Marathon for Leukaemia UK in honour of her grandparents Doug and Joyce, who both died from acute myeloid leukaemia (AML).  

Frankie Hastings at theatre step and repeat for HamnetFrankie is an actor. She has appeared in films such as Kenneth Brannagh’s Oscar nominated film Belfast, in the BAFTA Award-winning Call the Midwife, and has worked on the West End in the RSC’s adaptation of Maggie O’Farrell’s Hamnet.

It’s her first marathon but she’s been inspired by her grandad Doug who completed an incredible 26 of the endurance events.

“Grandad passed away last year at age 77 and Nan died in 2011 when she was 63, both from AML. It was a very different experience with each of them. Nan’s leukaemia was discovered at a late stage, she began strong treatment fast but it was too late to really help her. Joyce was gone too soon. Grandad’s diagnosis came a lot earlier in his journey and he managed to stay stable for five years.”  

Doug, a young Frankie and Joyce sat on a sofa.Frankie lives in London and growing up would make regular trips every school holiday to see her grandparents at their home near Liverpool. Joyce worked in the NHS and spent her life helping others. Not only was Doug a keen runner, but he was a talented musician.

“He was a drummer in a band and they played in the Cavern Club in the era that The Beatles were playing there. Because of his earlier diagnosis with leukaemia, he had time to do a lot of the things he wanted to do before we lost him. He was mad about music (particularly early rock and roll and jazz) so he got to visit New Orleans, Memphis and Nashville with his son and daughter-in-law before he passed. And we used to go to gigs and festivals together because we all loved music. I remember going to the Dot to Dot festival in Manchester with him, my auntie, and my uncle. He also took me to see The Foals multiple times when I was a teenager. Music is a big part of our family, and we credit this to Doug.  He had over 5,000 CDs in his collection (from the Beatles to Beyoncé) when he died; these are all with family and friends for the next generation to enjoy.  

“He began running when he and Nan lost their daughter, Michelle, to a brain tumour when she was a child. He started by raising money for the hospice where she was treated but then enjoyed it so much, he just kept going. He did 26 overall; his fastest time was 3 hours 1 minute. 

“It’s the first time for me and I’m just aiming to get from A to B! I did the Hackney Half last year and raised money for MacMillan. This time I’ve chosen Leukaemia UK because seeing both my grandparents go through AML in such different ways made me realise how important it is to spot symptoms and get them checked out. Early diagnosis is incredibly important.   

“Remembering who I’m running for and why has got me through injuries so far and will help me keep going on the day. I’m sure they would be proud of me.” 

Frankie’s Fundraiser

Frankie is running the London Marathon and raising money for Leukaemia UK.

Frankie's Fundraiser

Related posts

Widespread coverage of new leukaemia therapy shows promise in first trial patient

12 December 2022

Widespread coverage of new leukaemia therapy shows promise in first trial patient

As you may have seen in the news over the weekend, a clinical trial investigating a new leukaemia treatment has shown promising results. As part of the trial, funded by…

Leukaemia UK appoints Hannah Peckham as newest Ambassador

16 November 2023

Leukaemia UK appoints Hannah Peckham as newest Ambassador

Leukaemia UK has today announced its appointment of award-winning children’s book author, Hannah Peckham, as its newest celebrity Ambassador. Hannah joins the likes of actor Dougray Scott, celebrity chef Francesco…

Worrying numbers of leukaemia patients are being misdiagnosed or waiting too long for a blood test, say leading UK leukaemia charities

4 September 2022

Worrying numbers of leukaemia patients are being misdiagnosed or waiting too long for a blood test, say leading UK leukaemia charities

Patients in the UK face “the luck of the draw” when presenting with leukaemia symptoms. GPs are often left without adequate support to provide blood tests or process the results…

Who’s Cooking Dinner? to return on Monday 19th September

1 August 2022

Who’s Cooking Dinner? to return on Monday 19th September

Who’s Cooking Dinner reveal all star Chef Line Up Famed Charity event to return on Monday 19th September For the past 24 years, Leukaemia UK, the leukaemia research charity dedicated…